Distributor cap attachment



Sept. 5, 1967 J MCCLURE I 3,339,535

D ISTR IBU'I'OR CAP ATTACHMENT Filed Dec. 16, 1964 2 Shets-Sheet 1 JamesE. Ma C/ure INVENTOR.

DISTRIBUTOR CAP ATTACHMENT eeeeeeeeeeee t2 .J. E. MCCLURE 3,339,535

United States Patent 3,339,535 DISTRIBUTOR CAP ATTACHMENT James E.McClure, South Shore, Ky. (P.0. Box 98, Lesage, W. Va. 25537) Filed Dec.16, 1964, Ser. No. 418,619 5 Claims. (Cl. 123-148) This inventionrelates to a novel and useful distributing cap attachment and morespecifically to a distributor cap assembly which may be formed as anintegral portion of a distributor cap or as an attachment for existingdistribu tor caps.

A large majority of the internal combustion engines utilizing batteryignition systems are provided with ignition distributors defining rotaryignition systems. These ignition distributors include a rotor having anelectrode end portion swingable through a circle and the distributor capprovided therefore defines an open ended housing including a set of aplurality of terminals disposed therein and arranged in a circle withthe distributor cap being telescoped over the rotor and secured to thedistributor with the circle through which the electrode end portion ofthe rotor is swingable disposed in a plane generally paralleling theplane in which the plurality of terminals of the distributor cap aredisposed. In this manner, the electrode end portion of the distributorrotor may successively swing through positions at least closely adjacentthe terminals of the distributor cap.

Conventional distributor caps include a plurality of sockets arranged ina circle corresponding to the circle in which the set of terminals ofthe distributor cap are disposed and each socket is electricallyconnected to the corresponding distributor cap terminal and adapted tohave the input end of the corresponding secondary circuit spark plugwires of the associated combustion engine secured therein in a rnannerelectrically connecting the spark plug wires to the correspondingdistributor cap terminals. The output ends of the spark plug wires aresecured to the proper spark plugs of the associated internal combustionengine in a manner such that rotation of the rotor will cause the sparkplugs of the internal combustion engine to fire in proper sequence, thefiring order of some 8-cylinder internal combustion engines being 1-8-4-3-65-72.

Inasmuch as various manufacturers of internal combustion engines utilizedifferent sequences or firing orders of their internal combustionengines, when it becomes necessary to repair an internal combustionengine ignition system considerable time and concentration must be spentby a mechanic in assuring that the terminals of the distributor cap areelectrically connected to the proper spark plugs.

Accordingly, it is the main object of this invention to provide adistributor cap assembly constructed in a manner whereby the distributorcap assembly is provided with sockets for receiving the inputs ends ofthe secondary circuit spark plug wires arranged in a patterncorresponding to the pattern in which the spark plugs of the associatedinternal combustion engine are disposed. By this method the correctconnection of all of the spark plugs to the corresponding terminals ofthe distributor cap may be readily accomplished by merely connecting thedistributor cap sockets to the spark plugs with which they correspond.

Another object of this invention, in accordance with the immediatelypreceding object, is to provide a distributor cap assembly in the formof an attachment for existing distributor caps and which is of one-piececonstruction and which comprises a plug-type adapter including aplurality of male terminals and corresponding female sockets with themale terminals arranged so as to be adapted to be simultaneously pluggedinto the sockets of the associated conventional distributor cap. In thismanner, with the sockets of the attachment arranged in the correctpattern and electrically connected to the proper male electrodes, thesecondary circuit spark plug wires may be readily connected between theattachment and the spark plugs of the associated internal combustionengine merely by plugging one end of each spark plug wire into one ofthe sockets of the attachment and electrically connecting the other endof each spark plug wire to the spark plug of the internal combustionengine positioned in the corresponding position of the pattern of thespark plugs.

Another object of this invention in accordance with the precedingobjects, is to provide a distributor cap assembly in the form of aone-piece distributor cap and a replacement for the correspondingconventional distributor cap and the aforementioned attachment therefor.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide the distributor capassembly of the type above set forth including an exposed terminalelectrically connected to the terminal or socket of the distributor capassembly adapted to be electrically connected to the number one cylinderof the associated internal combustion engine and including means bywhich the exposed terminal may be readily covered by means of aninsulated cover removably secured thereto. In this manner, theinsulative cover may be readily removed in order that the exposedterminal may have a timing light electrically connected thereto forchecking the timing of the ignition system of the associated internalcombustion engine.

A final object of this invention to be specifically enumerated herein isto provide a distributor cap assembly in accordance with the precedingobjections which will conform to conventional forms of manufacture, beof simple construction and easy to use so as to provide a device thatwill be economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble-freein operation.

These together with other objects and advantages which will becomesubsequently apparent reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like part throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective view of an assembly comprising aconventional distributor cap and an attachment therefor constructed inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially upon a planepassing through the center of the attachment illustrated in FIGURE 1 andwith a conventional distributor cap operatively associated therewith andshown in phantom lines;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken substantiallyupon the plane indicated by section line 3-3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a modified form of assemblyillustrating the manner in which a conventional distributor cap and theattachment of the instant invention may be constructed in one piece; and

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary diagrammatical view showing the manner inwhich the distributor cap assembly of the instant invention properlyorientates the socket of the distributor cap of the instant inventionrelative to the pattern of the spark plugs of the associated internalcombustion engine.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings the numeral 10 generallydesignates a conventional form of distributor cap which includes eightterminals 12 that are electrically connected to a corresponding set ofeight sockets 14. The terminals 12 are disposed within the cap 10 andthe sockets 14 open outwardly through the top of the cap 10 and areconventionally utilized to receive the input ends of the correspondingsecondary circuit spark plug wires of an associated internal combustionengine.

The distributor cap assembly of the instant invention comprising in partthe cap 10 and also the attachment generally referred to by thereference numeral 18 is generally designated by the reference numeral20. The attachment 18 comprises a generally panel-like body 22constructed of dielectric material and including a plurality ofoutwardly projecting male terminals 24 which are snugly receivablewithin the sockets 14. In addition, it may be seen that the distributorcap 10 includes a center socket 26 as is conventional and that the body22 also includes a center male electrode 28 which is adapted to besnugly received within the center socket 26.

The body 22 also includes a socket 30 which opens outwardly of the body22 and is electrically connected to the electrode 28 by means of aconductor 32 embedded in the body 22. Further, the body 22 also includesa set of sockets 34 arranged in two groups generally referred to by thereference numerals 36 and 38 which are electrically connected to theterminals 24 by means of conductors 40.

From a comparison of FIGURES 3 and it may be seen that the sockets 34disposed in the group 36 correspond to the spark plugs 42 on the rightside of the internal combustion engine 44 as seen in FIGURE 5 and thatthe sockets 34 in the group 38 correspond to the spark plugs 42 disposedon the left side of the internal combustion engine 44. In addition, itmay be seen from a comparison of FIGURES 3 and 5 of the drawings thateach socket 34 is electrically connected to the corresponding numberedspark plug, and that the firing order of the internal combustion engine44 is 1-843-65-7-2. Therefore, it may be seen that the secondary circuitspark plug wires 46 may be readily connected to the proper spark plugsand electrically connected to the proper sockets 14 of the distributorcap merely by matching the sockets 34 with the corresponding spark plugs42.

The attachment 18 further includes an electrode which has one endembedded in the body 22 and a second end that projects outwardly of theupper surface 52 of the body 22. The extended end of the electrode 50 iscovered by means of a removable cap 54 constructed of dielectricmaterial. The cap 54 may be readily removed in order that access to theignition system may be gained without disconnecting either of the wires46 from their respective sockets 34 or puncturing the wires with aneedlelike implement. The terminal or electrode 50 is electricallyconnected to the terminal 24 electrically connected to the spark plug ofcylinder No. 1, of the internal combustion engine 44.

With attention now invited to FIGURE 4 of the drawings there will beseen a modified form of distributor cap assembly generally referred toby reference numeral 52 and which is substantially identical to theassembly 18 with the exception that it is one-piece construction and theterminals 5-6 thereof corresponding to the terminals 24 are continuousand also serve as terminals corresponding to the terminal 12.

In addition the attachment 20, if provided with longer terminals 24which depend farther downwardly therefrom, could be utilized as adistributor cap assembly if combined with a simple cylindrical sleeve tobe secured to the associated distributor in lieu of the conventionaldistributor cap, such a modified attachment being removably secured tothe upper end of such a sleeve.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention asclaimed.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. In combination, a multicylinder combustion engine including aplurality of spark plugs arranged in widely spaced linear pattern andhaving a distributor of the type including a rotor driven by said engineand having an electrode end portion swingable through a circular path,said distributor also including a cap telescoped over said rotor andincluding a first set of a plurality of terminals disposed in a patternspaced circumferentially about a circular path, said circular pathsbeing disposed in generally parallel planes and being concentric, saidelectrode end portion being swingable through positions at least closelyadjacent said terminals, said cap including a second set of a pluralityof terminals closely adjacent said pattern and readily accessible fromthe exterior of said cap and having the input ends of a set of elongatedsecondary circuit conductors of said engine readily removablyelectrically connected thereto, said second set of terminals beingarranged in linear pattern with the terminals of said second set ofterminals in each pattern being closely spaced apart relative to eachother, each linear pattern of said second set of terminals correspondingto and generally paralleling the linear pattern in which said sparkplugs are arranged relative to each other, the output ends of saidconductors being electrically connected to the spark plugs of saidengine corresponding to the second set of terminals from which saidconductors extend, and a second set of plurality of elongated conductorsembedded in said cap, electrically insulated from each other, andelectrically connecting the terminals of the first set of terminals withthe terminals of the second set of terminals in a manner wherebysuccessive registry of said electrode end portion with said first set ofterminals will actuate the second set of terminals in sequencecorresponding to the correct firing order of said spark plugs.

2. In combination, a multicylinder combustion engine including aplurality of spark plugs arranged in linear pattern and having adistributor of the type including a rotor driven by said engine andhaving an electrode end portion swingable through a circular path, saiddistributor also including a cap telescoped over said rotor andincluding a first set of a plurality of terminals disposed in a patternspaced circumferentially about a circular path, said circular pathsbeing disposed in generally parallel planes and being concentric, saidelectrode end portion being swingable through positions at least closelyadjacent said terminals, said cap including a second set of a pluralityof terminals closely adjacent said pattern and readily accessible fromthe exterior of said cap and having the input ends of a set of elongatedsecondary circuit conductors of said engine readily removablyelectrically connected thereto, said second set of terminals beingarranged in linear pattern relative to each other corresponding to thelinear pattern in which said spark plugs are arranged relative to eachother, the output ends of said conductors being electrically connectedto the spark plugs of said engine corresponding to the second set ofterminals from which said conductors extend, and a second set of aplurality of elongated conductors embedded in said cap, electricallyinsulated from each other, and electrically connecting the terminals ofthe first set of terminals with the terminals of the second set ofterminals in a manner whereby successive registry of said electrode endportion with said first set of terminals will actuate the second set ofterminals in sequence corresponding to the correct firing order of saidspark plugs, said distributor cap including an outwardly projectingterminal electrically connected to a predetermined one of said secondset of elongated conductors and having a cover constructed of dielectricmaterial removably secured thereover.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said distributor cap includesfirst and second sections, the first of said sections comprising aconventional distributor cap closed at one end and open at the other endand in which said first set of terminals are supported, saidconventional cap including a set of plurality of sockets openingoutwardly of said closed end thereof in the same direction, the'secondof said sections including a body member including a plurality ofoutwardly projecting male terminals extending in the same direction andremovably secured in the last mentioned sockets, said second set ofterminals being carried by said body member and electrically connectedto the corresponding male terminals by means of said elongatedconductors.

4. In combination, a multicylinder combustion engine including aplurality of spark plugs arranged in linear pattern and having adistributor of the type including a rotor driven by said engine andhaving an electrode end portion swingable through a circular path, saiddistributor also including a cap telescoped over said rotor andincluding a first set of a plurality of terminals disposed in a patternspaced circumferentially about a circular path, said circular pathsbeing disposed in generally parallel planes and being concentric, saidelectrode end portion being swingable through positions at least closelyadjacent said terminals, said cap including a second set of a pluralityof terminals closely adjacent said pattern and readily accessible fromthe exterior of said cap and having the input ends of a set of elongatedsecondary circuit conductors of said engine readily removablyelectrically connected thereto, said second set of terminals beingarranged in linear pattern relative to each other corresponding to thelinear pattern in which said spark plugs are arranged relative to eachother, the output ends of said conductors being electrically connectedto the spark plugs of said engine corresponding to the second set ofterminals from which said conductors extend, and a second set of aplurality of elongated conductors embedded in said cap, electricallyinsulated from each other, and electrically connecting the terminals ofthe first set of terminals with the terminals of the second set ofterminals in a manner whereby successive registry of said electrode endportions with said first set of terminals will actuate the second set ofterminals in sequence corresponding to the correct firing order of saidspark plugs, said distributor cap including first and second sections,the first of said sections comprising a conventional distributor capclosed at one end and open at the other end and in which said first setof terminals are supported, said conventional cap including a set of aplurality of sockets' opening outwardly of said closed end thereof inthe same direction, the second of said sections including a body memberincluding a plurality of outwardly projecting male terminals extendingin the same direction and removably secured in the last mentionedsockets, said second set of terminals being carried by said body memberand electrically connected to the corresponding male terminals by meansof said elongated conductors, said body member including an outwardlyprojecting terminal electrically connected to a predetermined one ofsaid second set of elongated conductors and having a cover constructedof dielectric material removably secured thereover.

5. In combination, a multicylinder combustion engine including aplurality of spark plugs arranged in linear pattern and having adistributor of the type including a rotor driven by said engine andhaving an electrode end portion swingable through a circular path, saiddistributor also including a cap telescoped over said rotor andincluding a first set of a plurality of terminals disposed in a patternspaced circumferentially about a circular path, said circular pathsbeing disposed in generally parallel planes and being concentric, saidelectrode end portion being swingable through positions at least closelyadjacent said terminals, said cap including a second set of a pluralityof terminals closely adjacent said pattern and readily accessible fromthe exterior of said cap and having the input ends of a set of elongatedsecondary circuit conductors of said engine readily removablyelectrically connected thereto, said second set of terminals beingarranged in linear pattern relative to each other corresponding to thelinear pattern in which said spark plugs are arranged relative to eachother, the output ends of said conductors being electrically connectedto the spark plugs of said engine corresponding to the second set ofterminals from which said conductors extend, and a second set of aplurality of elongated conductors embedded in said cap, electricallyinsulated from each other, and electrically connecting the terminals ofthe first set of terminals with the termianls of the second set ofterminals in a manner whereby successive registry of said electrode endportion with said first set of terminals will actuate the second set ofterminals in sequence corresponding to the correct firing order of saidspark plugs, said combustion engine spark plugs including opposite sidesets of spark plugs spaced along parallel linear paths, said distributorbeing disposed in a plane spaced between said paths and disposed normalto a line extending between said paths, said second set of terminalsbeing disposed in groups of opposite side terminals spaced along pathsgenerally paralleling the paths along which the adjacent sets of sparkplugs are spaced.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,692,087 11/ 1928 Matthew et a1123-143 1,984,275 12/1934 Mallory ZOO-19 2,326,113 8/1943 Zoerlein eta1. ZOO-19 2,488,096 11/ 1949 Newman 123-143 2,550,891 5/1951 Wald174-34 X 2,879,346 3/1959 Mason 200-21 LAURENCE M. GOODRIDGE, PrimaryExaminer. MARK NEWMAN, Examiner.

1. IN COMBINATION, A MULTICYLINDER COMBUSTION ENGINE INCLUDING APLURALITY OF SPARK PLUGS ARRANGED IN WIDELY SPACED LINEAR PATTERN ANDHAVING A DISTRIBUTOR OF THE TYPE INCLUDING A ROTOR DRIVEN BY SAID ENGINEAND HAVING AN ELECTRODE END PORTION SWINGABLE THROUGH A CIRCULAR PATH,SAID DISTRIBUTOR ALSO INCLUDING A CAP TELESCOPED OVER SAID ROTOR ANDINCLUDING A FIRST SET OF A PLURALITY OF TERMINALS DISPOSED IN A PATTERNSPACED CIRCUMFERENTIALLY ABOUT A CIRCULAR PATH, SAID CIRCULAR PATHSBEING DISPOSED IN GENERALLY PARALLEL PLANES AND BEING CONCENTRIC, SAIDELECTRODE END PORTION BEING SWINGABLE THROUGH POSITIONS AT LEAST CLOSELYADJACENT SAID TERMINALS, SAID CAP INCLUDING A SECOND SET OF A PLURALITYOF TERMINALS CLOSELY ADJACENT SAID PATTERN AND READILY ACCESSIBLE FROMTHE EXTERIOR OF SAID CAP AND HAVING THE INPUT ENDS OF A SET OF ELONGATEDSECONDARY CIRCUIT CONDUCTORS OF SAID ENGINE READILY REMOVABLYELECTRICALLY CONNECTED THERETO, SAID SECOND SET OF TERMINALS BEINGARRANGED IN LINEAR PATTERN WITH THE TERMINALS OF SAID SECOND SET OFTERMINALS IN EACH PATTERN BEING CLOSELY SPACED APART RELATIVE TO EACHOTHER, EACH LINEAR PATTERN OF SAID SECOND SET OF TERMINALS CORRESPONDINGTO AND GENERALLY PARALLELING THE LINEAR PATTERN IN WHICH SAID SPARKPLUGS ARE ARRANGED TO EACH OTHER, THE OUTPUT ENDS OF SAID CONDUCTORSBEING ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED TO THE SPARK PLUGS OF SAID ENGINECORRESPONDING TO THE SECOND SET OF TERMINALS FROM WHICH SAID CONDUCTORSEXTEND, AND A SECOND SET OF PLURALITY OF ELONGATED CONDUCTORS EMBEDDEDIN SAID CAP, ELECTRICALLY INSULATED FROM EACH OTHER, AND ELECTRICALLYCONNECTING THE TERMINALS OF THE FIRST SET OF TERMINALS WITH THETERMINALS OF THE SECOND SET OF TERMINALS IN A MANNER WHEREBY SUCCESSIVEREGISTRY OF SAID ELECTRODE END PORTION WITH SAID SET OF TERMINALS WILLACTUATE THE SECOND SET OF TERMINALS IN SEQUENCE CORRESPONDING TO THECORRECT FIRING ORDER OF SAID SPARK PLUGS.